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Pine Barons - Reaper
Pine Barons - Reaper

Pine Barons - Reaper


On “Reaper,” a song off their recently released album Mirage on the Meadow, Pine Barons combine psychedelic instrumentals and vivid lyrical imagery to deliver a haunting track that truly rocks; perfect listening for this, the spookiest of seasons. The tone is firmly established within the first few seconds, as a series of long atmospheric tones from the synth drape themselves over the drum and guitar lines. Before the lyrics come in you have already been set on a meandering walk through the dark forest in your mind. 

Songwriter and vocalist Keith Abrams cleverly illustrates the concept of scattered thoughts in the pre-chorus where, utilizing different production effects, he plays two intertwining inner monologues: one perpetually questioning, and one confident in its defeatist statements but not offering any answers. From this back and forth bursts the hook, which delivers everything you could ask for in a great rock chorus. It’s melodic, it’s powerful and it stays with you long after the song has ended. For much of “Reaper” there is an expertly curated sense of movement, like some physical manifestation of inner anxieties is stalking you at a distance. The closing guitar solo and coda, which layer in melodic callbacks from earlier sections, bring about a feeling of envelopment, like that fog of fear has finally caught up and engulfed you. Photo by Chris Sikich.

Emerson Obus on October 23, 2020
girl in red - rue

girl in red - rue


girl in red's new single "rue" is a haunting, emotional track, obviously inspired by the HBO show Euphoria both sonically and lyrically. From the start, the pounding drums and reverb-drenched instrumentals recall the dark nights and neon dreamscapes depicted in the series. The lyrics describe a relationship in which her mental health issues have made things hard on her partner, taking a toll on the relationship—similar to the dynamic between Rue and Jules shown in Euphoria. She describes crippling depression in the lines, "I hate the way my brain is wired / Can't trust my mind, it's such a liar / Believe me when I say / I can't carry the weight." Despite her struggles, though, it becomes obvious throughout the song that she wants desperately to save the relationship, repeating "I will make it work" in the bridge like a mantra, almost as if her saying it enough times will make it come true. "rue" is an emotionally impactful, atmospheric track with a booming, catchy chorus that will not be leaving your mind anytime soon. Listen to "rue" wherever you stream. Photo by Isak Jenssen.

Paige Shannon on September 4, 2020
Lupin - May

Lupin - May


Ahead of the release of his first solo project under the name of Lupin, Hippo Campus's vocalist and guitarist Jake Luppen presents track "May". The single is a delightfully chaotic introduction to him as Lupin, even for the fans who were already used to him as Jake. An honest reflection on his relationship at the time, May's lyrics might remind you of the feeling of the passage of time this year: "It lasted longer than you had expected / (Oh May) But shorter than I thought it'd be." The daze of the energetic beat or the heightened vocals only corroborates the idea of ever-so-reluctantly letting go of a connection with someone. While his writing on Hippo Campus had the mixed energy of a crew of artists, Lupin's self titled debut album is set to be a deeper dive into him as a whole—his story, his ups and downs, his most profound fears, the mark he is leaving in the world. The album's release is set for October 9.

Giulia Santana on September 4, 2020
Miles Mackenzie - West Coast Gold

Miles Mackenzie - West Coast Gold


Miles Mackenzie’s debut single, “West Coast Gold,” is a quarantine-released song for all the summers-that-could-be, or the ones that have been warmly tucked into memory; summers where we are safe and free to sprint, barefoot in the sand, toward towering teal waves. Sunshine emanates from the track within the first few seconds, luring in the listener with soft-sparkling chimes and visions of an ocean breeze as a 1970s-inspired bassline comes into frame. Bending surf-rock guitar riffs pair seamlessly with Mackenzie’s soaring falsetto and catchy background vocals that will have you singing “ba-ba-ba” after first listen. Entirely self-performed and mixed, Mackenzie’s debut could sit comfortably in the same indie-folk groove as artists like Dr. DogFruit Bats, and Father John Misty. But on the bridge and drum breakdown, one can just as easily identify an undeniably classic influence, akin to legends like The Beatles and The Kinks. This golden formula tells us that, while the long days of summer may be fleeting, it’s clear that Mackenzie is just getting started. Photo by Alec Basse.

Heddy Edwards on September 4, 2020
Aladean Kheroufi - Good

Aladean Kheroufi - Good


Aladean Kheroufi’s track “Good” off of his latest EP Beauty Beyond Grief is aptly named. It is just that: good. Very good, in fact. The Algerian-Canadian singer/songwriter brings many different vibes to life in his soft and groovy style. Impeccable rhythm and lo-fi vocals build a retro aura about his work, an aesthetic reflected in his EP cover art that evokes indie records of the 60s and 70s. One could simply leave Kheroufi’s track on repeat and let the cool sounds wash over them as one play fades easily into the next. As he builds a beautiful synthesis of instruments that flow past each other with ease, his talent shines through every word he sings. Photo by K. Chrapko.

Ben Burke on September 4, 2020
Claire Rosinkranz - Backyard Boy

Claire Rosinkranz - Backyard Boy


Up-and-comer Claire Rosinkranz is cutting her teeth in the indie-pop scene by the best means possible: virally trending on TikTok. If your guilty pleasure is perusing the popular app, then you've definitely heard "Backyard Boy": a sweet, sun-soaked summer track that you'll want to stream again and again. The track is an ode to budding love and embodies the euphoria, nervousness and all-around excitement of meeting someone new. While Rosinkranz is still developing her discography, her small EP, Beverly Hills Boyfriend, is a great introduction to her spunky, light pop sound and a great launch pad for what is sure to be a promising career. Check out "Backyard Boy" wherever you stream, or just listen up the next time you're on your FYP. 

Hannah Lupas on September 3, 2020
Neil Frances - Tuesday

Neil Frances - Tuesday


It almost goes without saying the concept of time in the year of our lord 2020 has all but completely disappeared, and while the concept of stalled time is present in Neil Frances' track "Tuesday," the feeling is more on the side of timelessness. "Tuesday" begins with a jolt, propelling the listener outside of their personal 2020-inspired brain fog, right back into the beloved club scene of the 1990s. Crashing cymbals carry the song, inviting the listener to engage in a light and fun chair-swivel dance, but inside the listener's head, they're grooving contently in an era where it was not only safe to go out on a Tuesday, it was common not to give the idea a second thought.

The Los Angeles duo seem "in" on the idea of creating a timeless throwback anthem where the listener spends the quickest three and a half minutes on a hip-shaking journey into yesteryear. They invite us to forget everything which may be ailing us, with the opening lyrics "There's no good or bad with what we have / don't you know?" It's clear the feeling on the agenda for "Tuesday" is nothing short of good one; the duo's music video for the track exclusively features dogs riding in the car with their heads blissfully hanging out the window, a sweet and calming backdrop for a song which details the collective confusion over the lost sense of time, but frequently reminds us it is built on the ever-present reminder there is still positivity in the world.

Taylor Hodgkins on September 3, 2020
Tedy - Boys Don't Cry

Tedy - Boys Don't Cry


Montreal-based alternative pop artist Tedy grapples with toxic masculinity, trauma and vulnerability in his single "Boys Don't Cry." Tedy tells the tale of always having your guard up, never showing weakness, only to realize your vulnerability's strength. The Haiti native's smooth and soulful vocals are soaked in hopelessness at the start of the track, diving into feelings of fear and sadness. This is especially present in lyrics like, "I ripped my heart and buried it, there's no need for it no more," and "cause boys don't cry, so don't let them see." As the music builds into swell full of 808s, synths and infectious guitar lines in the bridge and the final chorus, Tedy urges listeners to "try and feel something" and move to a place of acceptance and empowerment. Photo by Mathew Guido.

Alessandra Rincon on September 3, 2020
Dirty Projectors - Holy Mackerel

Dirty Projectors - Holy Mackerel


Dirty Projectors' latest, "Holy Mackerel," welcomes David Longstreth back into the spotlight after a wonderful string of releases had bandmates Maia Friedman and Felicia Douglass blessing the mic with two EPs: the beautifully poignant Windows Open and the joyous Flight Tower, respectively. "Holy Mackerel" will be featured in their third EP release this summer, Super João (out September 4), and this time will have Longstreth on lead vocals.  

According to the band’s social media, the song’s title comes from a story about Longstreth’s partner, who supposedly at only ten months old exclaimed, ‘ho maaco!’ while observing a hippopotamus at a zoo. The story claims that those were her very first words—a cute backstory that adds on to the already personal and intimate songwriting, where the idiomatic expression takes on a new and romantic dimension. There is a soft, genuine tenderness in Longstreth’s vocals. The song floats away on a cloud of cool and breezy bossa nova rhythm patterns. Longstreth plucks on nylon strings with ease, but behind an apparent simplicity lies the band’s signature idiosyncrasies.  

The ongoing release of their five-part EP series this summer has reminded us of the band’s incredible ability to keep itself constantly new, fresh and relevant—this time, allowing us to take turns getting to know each band member a little better, all while we continue to watch David Longstreth slowly turn into David Byrne. Photo by Jason Frank Rothenberg.

Alejandro Veciana on September 2, 2020
Kate Bollinger - Feel Like Doing Nothing

Kate Bollinger - Feel Like Doing Nothing


"Feel Like Doing Nothing" is an anthem for those days where you recognize yourself on the verge of burnout, and you take a moment to pause just before you fall over the edge. (Otherwise known as a Sunday, probably sometime in mid-August). Kate Bollinger's track opens with mellow acoustic guitar initially uncommitted to a tempo, skipping and starting in a way that still manages to feel more organic than forced. Soon warm jazzy-tone bass slides in and rounds out the pulse. Its heartbeat-like groove is a bit faster than you would expect—like someone trying really hard to take a deep breath and relax. Keys wander in and out like intrusive thoughts, while guitar lines try to establish a melody, and the bass keeps up its groove. The track keeps moving, not quite rushing, until the verse where She comes home and sits on the couch. Over the rest of the track, the heartbeat of the song gets progressively slower as the keys finally meld into the melody. It’s a thank you note for the people you love, whose presence makes it easier to feel like you can take a breath, lie on the couch, and feel good doing absolutely nothing. Photo by Jonathan Roensch.

Allison Hill on September 2, 2020
Grey Oakes & Julius Tunstall - Sad Boy

Grey Oakes & Julius Tunstall - Sad Boy


Singer-songwriter Grey Oakes joins forces with Julius Tunstall on the pop-tinged R&B tune "Sad Boy," the second collaboration between the North Carolina-based artists. The soulful piece has Oakes yearning to switch lanes for a destination more serene. "Girl you snap right back / To things I thought we got over," he frets, wishing they could focus on the positives. Sinking into the front seat of his Jetta, we find Oakes swerving past whatever it is that is "stepping on my good state of mind." With polished production and Oakes and Tunstall's voices meeting for harmonies that melt to the touch, the easy listening track is the perfect soundtrack to the end of your summer. Oakes's first full-length release Introvert, self-produced alongside Tunstall, is stacked with charming bops that span from neo-soul to John Mayer-esque guitar licks that pay homage to his earliest influences while grappling with "coming of age and struggling with the feelings of uncertainty."

Ysabella Monton on September 2, 2020

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